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    Did I Pick The Right CPU?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by KYFHO, Jul 23, 2011.

  1. KYFHO

    KYFHO Notebook Enthusiast

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    I recently ordered an M14X with the i7 2720QM with 8G 1600 Ram. I will be using this mostly for light gaming and some photo processing (RAW files). Do you think the 2720 is enough? Or should I have maxed out the CPU?
     
    KYFHO, Jul 23, 2011
    #1
  2. Mozin321

    Mozin321 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The 2630QM would have been enough.
     
    Mozin321, Jul 23, 2011
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  3. soulhacker

    soulhacker Notebook Consultant

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    yea for your needs the 2720qm is possibly overkill...lol better than coming out short imo
     
    soulhacker, Jul 23, 2011
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  4. clienterror

    clienterror Notebook Consultant

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    I'm not sure what you're using for RAW editing but if it's anything Adobe (I use Elements) it now uses your GPU to help process edited photos, just white list elements so it kicks on your 555m when elements opens (if you're using it)

    You probably wouldn't notice and difference between the 2720QM and 2630QM TBH.
     
    clienterror, Jul 23, 2011
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  5. niko2021

    niko2021 Notebook Evangelist

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    For what it's worth, the 2630qm is all you'd need. Not saying that the 2720qm is a waste, but for everyday computing and gaming, you won't see a difference. Unless you're benchmarking and trying to get the best results, the 2630qm is adequate.
     
    niko2021, Jul 23, 2011
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  6. KYFHO

    KYFHO Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the input, it's much appreciated. I guess I like having the sense of security in that I know the CPU will have me covered for at least the next year or two.
     
    KYFHO, Jul 24, 2011
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  7. SMOKE_SKULL

    SMOKE_SKULL Notebook Deity

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    I am curious if Optimus is available with quad core cpus? It used to be only on i5s before Sandy bridge? I just got a MSI GX680 and it has a GT555M with DDR5 and no optimus. I am bummed! Even though the 555 clocks right down I believce I would be better off with Optimus. Correct?
     
    SMOKE_SKULL, Jul 24, 2011
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  8. /Drakk_

    /Drakk_ Notebook Consultant

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    All the m14x have Optimus, I think.
     
    /Drakk_, Jul 25, 2011
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  9. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    OP, if you have to ask, then your CPU is enough or more than enough.
     
    fred2028, Jul 25, 2011
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  10. Herc130

    Herc130 Notebook Enthusiast

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    For what it's worth, on my desktops I have an i7 920 and an i7 970EE. I also had both CPU's in the same exact set-up and there was no practical difference in performance other than benchmarks and even that wasn't that big of a difference to warrant the cost (think it was @$300 vs. just over $1k). The kicker was my 920 overclocked higher then my 970.

    Is there any indication that the more costly CPU choices has the overall laptop running cooler then the lowest cost CPU?
     
    Herc130, Jul 25, 2011
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  11. SynGT

    SynGT Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, what you got is a beast. The RAM alone would have done it well. You're all set.
     
    SynGT, Jul 25, 2011
    #11